Setting Summer 2015 Goals

summer 2015 goals

Wow!  When I realized that it was time to start thinking about some goals for the upcoming summer season it came to my attention that I hadn’t set any goals for spring!  This winter was quite hard on me…so many dreary days and so much cold.  So when spring arrived I felt instantly energized and ready go.  I never stopped and thought to write down some objectives!

Setting goals, whether you are dealing with a long term illness, caregiving for a loved one, or dealing with cancer as a young adult, is a healthy way to evaluate the small things you can do to improve your day-to-day life.  Did you all set some spring goals?  Have you revisited them and decided to set summer 2015 goals too?

If you’re interested, these were my 2014 Summer goals, my goals for Fall 2014, and Winter 2014-2015.  Feel free to share yours with us!  When I first talked about my goals for the summer, and then my goals for the fall, I had visions of daily walks where I didn’t need to force myself out the door, dinners filled with enticing and wonderfully healthy vegetables, meditation expanding my mind’s eye, and so much more.  Now that fall has come and almost gone, it is time to look at those goals, decide how well they were accomplished, and to readjust for the coming new season.

Mallory’s Goals for the Winter were…

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[list_item]take more real pictures.[/list_item]
UPDATE:  nope 🙂

[list_item]bake yummy things.[/list_item]
UPDATE:  Check!  Maybe not everything was baked but I definitely baked and cooked more things!  I’ve made smoothies, applesauce, chocolate chip cookies, cinnamon cream cheese banana cupcakes (though I think I counted these in my fall goals?), chocolate pudding cake, crepes, waffles, triple berry pancakes, a french toast casserole, a hashbrown potato and egg bake, and a few more!

[list_item]continue growing Lacuna Loft.[/list_item]
UPDATE:  Yep!  We are now a not for profit corporation in the State of California and have filed for our federal tax exempt status!  501(c)3, here we come!  We have some great collaborations coming in the next few weeks, the board is finding its feet and planning our first fundraising and strategy push, and so much more!

[list_item]move every day.[/list_item]
UPDATE:  Always a process!  This was going so well for a while there, and then I was hit with weddings, conferences, bridal parties & showers, extra dog sitting, and more weddings.  Back on the wagon again though!

[list_item]eat fewer sweets.[/list_item]
UPDATE:  Not sure I paid enough attention to this…  I think I ate fewer sweets overall but not because I actually made any steps to make my pantry and fridge healthier places.  I think my grocery visits need to be more frequent and I need to pay more attention to having a mostly stocked pantry with healthy choices.

[list_item]explore meditation.[/list_item]
UPDATE:  I have now tried meditating!  Hasn’t become a daily or weekly practice at all, but I like what I’ve tried so far!  I will share on the blog in the next few months!

[list_item]play with my pups.[/list_item]
UPDATE:  YES!  Love those two!

[list_item]hike in the snow.[/list_item]
UPDATE:  Does walking around the neighborhood count?  🙂

[list_item]make more things.[/list_item]
UPDATE:  Oh my…so many projects!  My husband and I started making an ottoman and I finished a quilt for my sister and brother in law’s wedding!  Over the winter I also made snowman pillows, an embroidery floss belt, and an eye mask.

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Ok!  Time for setting summer 2015 goals!

Mallory’s Summer 2015 Goals!:

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[list_item]get Lacuna Loft all ready to move to Northern California.[/list_item]
There are still some forms and logistics that need to be taken care of before moving to Northern California at the end of the summer.

[list_item]bake yummy things.[/list_item]
I (STILL! STILL!) specifically want to make some macaroons!

[list_item]channel the tortoise while packing this summer.[/list_item]
Slow and steady wins the race!

[list_item]move every day.[/list_item]
Dog walks, dog runs, yoga, swimming, you name it.  I want to stop working and make some space to sweat and move every day.  I’m going on a canoe trip later this summer and need to get my arms ready!

[list_item]grocery shop with more intention.[/list_item]
I’ll eat healthy things if I buy healthy things…but I seem to run out of those fruits and veggies so quickly!  I’d like to start shopping with more intention towards making healthy food choices all week long.  Just picked up some brussels sprouts the other day…I’m excited to try cooking them tonight!

[list_item]explore meditation.[/list_item]
Yes…I still (STILL! STILL) really really want to explore meditation further.  Hopefully we will have some posts about it here in the near future.  Anyone have any pointers to provide?

[list_item]make more things.[/list_item]
I have some crafts that need to be finished before moving.  The list is growing!
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When do you decide to set goals?  Do you set them for a season or for a year?  Setting summer 2015 goals is a great way to focus in on a shorter amount of time.  Warm weather and sun…can’t go wrong!

Setting Winter Goals

setting winter goals

While the weather this past weekend (in my neck of the woods) was unseasonably warm, winter is definitely back.  The days are shorter, the trees are nearly bare, and holiday lights are starting to appear on trees and houses.

Setting goals, whether you are dealing with a long term illness, caregiving for a loved one, or dealing with cancer is a healthy way to evaluate the small things you can do to improve your day-to-day life.  Did you all set some fall goals?  Have you revisited them and decided to set winter goals too?

When I first talked about my goals for the summer, and then my goals for the fall, I had visions of daily walks where I didn’t need to force myself out the door, dinners filled with enticing and wonderfully healthy vegetables, meditation expanding my mind’s eye, and so much more.  Now that fall has come and almost gone, it is time to look at those goals, decide how well they were accomplished, and to readjust for the coming new season.

Mallory’s Goals for the Fall were…

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[list_item]take more real pictures.[/list_item]
UPDATE:  Nope…did not do this at all.  My camera is finally sitting on a counter in the living room…maybe that will help get things rolling?
[list_item]bake yummy things.[/list_item]
UPDATE:  While I specifically wanted to make macaroons and didn’t, I made so many new baked goodies this fall!  I baked apple pies and pumpkin pies with a friend for Thanksgiving (did I mention that the crusts were homemade too?), cooked homemade banana cream pudding (maybe not a baked item but I’m counting it!), and more!
apple_pie

[list_item]continue growing Lacuna Loft.[/list_item]
UPDATE:  Check!  I went to the 2014 Critical Mass Conference, have continued meeting and networking with a great group of cancer advocates and resource centers, and we made the decision to file for non-profit status.  Whew!
[list_item]eat lots of different vegetables.[/list_item]
UPDATE:  Check!  Sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, oh my!  I’ve learned that the key to eating vegetables is buying vegetables 🙂  If I have a veggie to easily grab and snack on, I’m more likely to choose a veggie over that piece of chocolate!  I’ve also become crafty about sneaking vegetables into meals (has anyone else successfully put peas in mac-n-cheese?  so good!)
[list_item]take a dog walk everyday.[/list_item]
UPDATE:  Check!  While there were weeks when this happened every day and weeks when this happened every other day, I’m going to consider it a win.
[list_item]explore meditation.[/list_item]
UPDATE:  Well…I started going to yoga at least once a week but I think meditation is still on the list of to-trys.
[list_item]start training for a race.[/list_item]
UPDATE:  I have not started training for a race…but I’ve started running again!  Does that count?  🙂
[list_item]go camping.[/list_item]
UPDATE:  I went backyard camping with my family of four!  It was really fun to spend a night outside, right before the cold weather really set in, and to test the 2 pups in a very small tent 🙂
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Ok!  Time for setting winter goals!

Mallory’s Winter Goals!:

[list type=”like”]
[list_item]take more real pictures.[/list_item]
Yep…I want to do this on a weekly basis.
[list_item]bake yummy things.[/list_item]
I (STILL!) specifically want to make some macaroons!
[list_item]continue growing Lacuna Loft.[/list_item]
This will keep being a primary goal of mine.  We are applying for non-profit status, forming a board, and starting to set a planning strategy for the next few years…this winter is going to be great!
[list_item]move every day.[/list_item]
Dog walks, dog runs, yoga, swimming, you name it.  I want to stop working and make some space to sweat and move every day.
[list_item]eat fewer sweets.[/list_item]
I love sugar…donuts, pies, chocolate, the list goes on and on.  With the holidays fast approaching, I want to make healthy decisions as often as possible 🙂
[list_item]explore meditation.[/list_item]
Yes…I still (STILL!) really really want to try meditation.  Hopefully we will have some posts about it here in the near future.
[list_item]play with my pups.[/list_item]
I often work from home.  While I’m in close proximity to my two lovely doggies, they often sleep most of the day.  My husband is also a work-a-holic.  Time for us all to take a breather and make some space for us…time for us all to play together a bit more each day!
[list_item]hike in the snow.[/list_item]
It has been years since I went hiking in the snow.  (unless you count walking along a beach?)  Time to bundle up, grab the pups and husband, and head out with the first snow!
[list_item]make more things.[/list_item]
My craft list is growing!  I have things I want to make for Christmas presents, wedding presents, household fun, and more.
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When do you decide to set goals?  Do you set them for a season or for a year?  Setting winter goals is a great way to focus in on a shorter amount of time than new year’s resolutions…especially during the winter months when things can quickly seem dreary in the continual cold!

End To Summer Goals, Setting Fall Goals

Summer is almost gone and the fall is quickly approaching!  Setting goals, whether you are dealing with a long term illness, caregiving for a loved one, or dealing with cancer is a healthy way to evaluate the small things you can do to improve your day-to-day life.  Did you all set some summer goals?  Have you revisited them and decided to set fall goals too?

When I first talked about my goals for the summer, I had lofty expectations of all of the small changes that I would make to my life that would help to create a grander vision of who I am and who I want to be.  Now that summer has come and almost gone, it is time to look at those goals, decide how well they were accomplished, and to readjust for the coming new season.

Mallory’s Goals for the Summer were…

[list type=”like”]
[list_item]take more real pictures.[/list_item]
UPDATE:  I did this just a little, bitty, bit 🙂  Does that count?  On vacation I spent a single day using my real camera instead of my phone to take pictures.  I think I would like to revisit it in the fall.
[list_item]bake yummy things.[/list_item]
UPDATE:  I definitely made a few new things for dinner (homemade rosemary, macaroni and cheese…yum!) and a handful of fun new ice creams/sorbets.  (I talked about one of those recipes for mango sorbet here).  I even experimented with individual peanut butter brownies.  Macaroons will have to be moved to a fall goal though!
[list_item]continue growing Lacuna Loft.[/list_item]
UPDATE:  Check!  This is an on going process which I took steps at each day of the summer 🙂  On to the fall for even bigger and better things for Lacuna Loft!
[list_item]eat more vegetables.[/list_item]
UPDATE:  I actually became a vegetarian this summer so I think this goal went pretty well 🙂
[list_item]take a dog walk everyday.[/list_item]
UPDATE:  Yea…definitely didn’t do this one 🙁  Brett ran the pups a few times a week and I started swimming and lifting a lot more regularly but I never seemed to figure out how to put a dog walk into my every day routine.  In the past 10 days though, I am 8 for 10!  A dog walk almost each day!
[list_item]explore meditation.[/list_item]
UPDATE:  Nope…I still really want to do this though.
[list_item]have fun.[/list_item]
UPDATE:  Check!  I traveled with my family and with my in-laws this summer and generally tried to practice what we talk about on Lacuna Loft…self-care, self-care, self-care, and have fun!  🙂
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Ok!  Time for setting fall goals!

Mallory’s Fall Goals!:

[list type=”like”]
[list_item]take more real pictures.[/list_item]
Yep…I want to do this on a weekly basis.
[list_item]bake yummy things.[/list_item]
I specifically want to make some macaroons!
[list_item]continue growing Lacuna Loft.[/list_item]
This will continue to be a goal of mine.  I have some great ideas for new things to add to the site in the coming months.  Lacuna Loft will be at the Critical Mass Conference in November.  If you’re going, let us know!!!  I’m really excited to meet some great people and talk a bunch about Lacuna Loft.  🙂
[list_item]eat lots of different vegetables.[/list_item]
So this may seem a lot like the goal of eating more vegetables that I set for the summer but hear me out.  I have a set of go-to vegetables that I love and am comfortable cooking (and eating).  I’d really like to start cooking more and more with vegetables and diversifying my meals a bit.
[list_item]take a dog walk everyday.[/list_item]
Taking a walk or run with my 2 pups is a big part of my self-care.  Being out and about in the world, with my 2 favorite mutts, brings me out of myself a bit and helps me to stay calm and centered.  Bring on the fall weather!
[list_item]explore meditation.[/list_item]
Yes…I still really really want to try meditation.  Hopefully we will have some posts about it here in the near future.
[list_item]start training for a race.[/list_item]
For the past few years I’ve been running the Chicago Marathon for the American Brain Tumor Association.  This year though, I am in a wedding the night before the race so I won’t be able to participate in the run.  Time to find a new sporting event to train for!
[list_item]go camping.[/list_item]
I love to be outside.  I love hiking, camping, backpacking, climbing, you name it.  I’ve done a couple of long distance treks in my day but I have never gone camping with my husband!  (and he has never gone camping, ever!)  For our wedding, we received most of the needed camping/backpacking gear that I didn’t already own and we still haven’t used it.  This fall is the time!  We’re going to do a practice run in the backyard and then hit a state park for a weekend!  The pups love walking in the woods so I think they’ll enjoy it too!
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When do you decide to set goals?  Do you set them for a season or for a year?  Setting fall goals is a great way to focus in on a shorter amount of time than new year’s resolutions.  I also find fall goals to help ease the transition from the great summer weather into the cooler fall 🙂

Setting Summer Goals

Today is my 2nd wedding anniversary and yesterday was my 28th birthday!

2012 July 7 Justine Bursoni Photography Mallory and Bretts Wedding in Champaign Illinois-96

My husband, Brett (if you’re really interested in him you can find out plenty here and here), is a pretty swell guy and has helped me out a lot with everything design oriented here at Lacuna Loft.  He and I journeyed together through my mother’s death and my cancer diagnosis and I don’t know who or where I would be without him in my life.  He is the best thing to have ever happened to me…besides adopting mutts.  😉

IMG_2828_sm

Learning to be a good partner to someone is hard and I think that my cancer diagnosis and the time I spent caregiving for my mom has made being a good partner even more difficult.  Learning to share your life while evolving to fit remarkable circumstances is just.plain.challenging!

One trick I have learned along the way that has made all the difference is self care.  Taking care of myself makes taking care of our marriage that much easier.  One way that I like to take care of myself is by setting goals.  Setting goals can be a challenging experience and sometimes getting started is the hardest part.  To break it down a bit, I like to set goals by season.  You can do it however you like though!  Try breaking up goals by week, by month, by season, or by 6 months.  The possibilities are endless!  Think of the kinds of things that you’d like to improve about yourself, or the kinds of things you’d like to overcome.  Consider the new tasks that you’d like to accomplish or the new sights you’d like to see.  When I go about setting summer goals, thinking about the summer experiences I’d like to have and the pieces about myself that I can work on during that time really helps me prioritize.

So, in the spirit of creating another great year of life and of marriage, I have some goals to share with you all!

Mallory’s Goals for the Summer!

[list type=”like”]
[list_item]take more real pictures.[/list_item]
I am an official iPhone picture aficionado.  I take pictures with my phone all day long.  I also own a DSLR though and a fun, macro lens that I’d really like to try and use more often!
[list_item]bake yummy things.[/list_item]
I love baking.  I’ve even started to experiment with more time consuming baked goods in recent months.  A few years ago my sister in law gave me a french cook book (random note, I speak fluent french and lived there for 1.5 years) and I really want to tackle macaroons soon!
[list_item]continue growing Lacuna Loft.[/list_item]
From the very beginning, Lacuna Loft has been a work of love from me and my husband.  I have worked tirelessly to grow this site from our humble, March 3rd launch.  Our numbers have been growing and the traffic to the site has become a steady stream instead of peaks and valleys.  We have some awesome things coming in the next few weeks and I am really excited to share them with you soon!
[list_item]eat more vegetables.[/list_item]
duh 🙂
[list_item]take a dog walk everyday.[/list_item]
Right now the pups take a walk or run with either Brett or myself every few days.  On the off days they frolic around the yard and house together.  I have discovered though, that taking the time to walk briskly (or run) around the neighborhood with the pups is a really freeing experience.  I love it and want to have these times together everyday.
[list_item]explore meditation.[/list_item]
I deal with a bit of anxiety.  I will share more about this in a post all to itself but for the sake of setting goals, I’d like to figure out ways of settling myself down once I have been knocked off balance (emotionally speaking).  Anyone out there try meditation?  I’ve never tried to practice it daily (or even monthly) but I’d love to hear your thoughts!
[list_item]have fun.[/list_item]
I am a total planner, control freak 🙂  Sometimes I need to just step back and remember that life should be fun!
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And that’s it!  Do you have any goals for the summer or for your next year?  Have you been thinking about setting summer goals but have had trouble putting pen to paper?  Share with us!

wedding photo by Justine Bursoni